6/20/2013

MAN OF STEELAn initially promising sci-fi reboot of the quintessential superhero gets bogged down in more destruction than fifty Michael Bay films. The dark, humorless tone is partially mitigated by some great performances and visuals, while a boneheaded climactic twist needs to be further qualified in the sequel to avoid character damage. (For a whole lot more, see here)

MAD MEN Season 6 (AMC)
As “Dreamy” Don Draper, with a glistening whiskey sheen, continues his slide into irredeemable douchebaggery (both at work and home), all’s the better for the drama, with SD&P struggling to adjust to an ever-changing dynamic amidst constant pissing contests. But who’d have guessed Sally would have the best story arc?

6/18/2013

PUSSY RIOT: A PUNK PRAYERThe fact that the Russian feminist collective’s message seems to change depending on the audience doesn’t lessen their importance as a force for freedom in Putin’s sadly repressive Russia. One can’t help but feel a chill at the similarities between closed-mindedness in their culture and our own.

GAME OF THRONES Season 3 (HBO)Three seasons in, and while I’ve faithfully watched every episode (some more than once), I still have just the faintest glimmer of what’s going on (there’s a throne, dragons, and boobies). But one thing I do continue to suspect is that George R.R. Martin is one twisted, bitter little man.

SUPERMAN UNBOUNDThis loose adaptation of Geoff Johns’ SUPERMAN: BRAINIAC storyline suffers from some weird character designs (Supes has a skinny head), the weight-sapping elimination of Pa Kent’s death, and a shoehorned marriage proposal. Supergirl’s characterization is nice, though, and whoever thought we’d get to see a cartoon Lois flip the bird?

6/06/2013

RICHARD PRYOR: OMIT THE LOGICCreative trailblazers have frequently led lives defined by pain, both suffering and inflicting it, perhaps none moreso than Richard Pryor. This too-short documentary offers a tantalizing glimpse into a life and career dotted by extreme highs and lows, but ultimately fails to capture the genius that trumped the drama.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VAMPIRE HUNTERI have nothing against stupid B-movie concepts. That is, unless they cloak themselves in A-level aspirations, production values, and actors who take it all seriously. What should’ve been a goofy lark instead feels like a slog through the the most pretentious slab of muenster ever put to film.

...and don't call me CHIEF!

Bitten by a radioactive silverfish at the age of five, Karl Heitmueller Jr. (aka Kalli, aka Pops Gustav) gained the power of pop culture hyper-perception.
Now as an adult, he writes, draws and cartoons about comics, movies, television, music, Superman, advertising, design, politics, religion, drinking and jerks.
Sometimes all at once.